Drop the Ego, Lift the Sword

This might be a HUGE turn off (in multiple ways), but I've only completed one year of course work over the last three years... an explanation (please don't view as bragging): I was always the kid / guy to only have to speed read through parts of the textbooks once, easily ace tests and essays, but rarely turn his assignments in on time, if ever. While others were spacing out / diligently taking notes, I was busy contemplating the psychology behind the professor's teaching methods. I was the kid / guy who'd stay after class, even in private offices, to discuss abstract theories... but do poorly on meeting the course requirements. I've never thought of myself as "smarter than thou" (I actually have a lot of rather foolish friends), but moreso had a "don't tell me what to do" attitude.

Consequently I've pissed off every professor I've had. Well, the situation now is that, after a lot of long nights, I've grown out of being so damn unaccountable and frivolous. I haven't "caved in" to society, rather, I don't "live with my hair on fire" any more and am cultivating a much more balanced, middle-path approach to life. For how "open minded" I once thought I was, I've truly let go and opened up to what others tell me, and ironically feel more confident and in control. I feel lucky -- nay, BLESSED -- for the overall experience and for my decision to grow the fuck up.

This is plain silly happening at 19, 20 years of age, but if you're in the same camp, heed my lesson.

So are you saying: end the burning, destructive fire of your ego (hence the title of the thread) get with the program, conform, try and fit in and do what everyone else is doing?

Of course not.

What I was saying: Direct your fiery energy (ego, etc.) toward a goal higher than yourself.

This doesn't mean a higher authority, government, or person.

It means avoiding distraction and depression, and realizing that there are people out there that could very well benefit from your intelligence and discernment if only you applied and integrated yourself into society in some way.

If that's too "humanist", then one could say there is a universe out there that could benefit.

The 101 version of this lesson would be to watch Disney's The Lion King.

So are you saying: end the burning, destructive fire of your ego (hence the title of the thread) get with the program, conform, try and fit in and do what everyone else is doing?

He's suggesting one's goals (and, thus, actions) be determined by the intrinsic values of what he wants to accomplish, as opposed to how well they bolster his reputation. To focus on your actions, not your-self.

How exactly does my performance on college coursework significantly benefit the universe as a whole in the long term, or anyone besides myself?

It doesn't. Any one can pass college courses these days. It is, however, something (usually) required on the path to a influential position in society. You know, "credentials"? That wasn't my original point anyway ("d0 gud in sk00l!" is moronic and pointless, indeed), though I do see now how readers here may have been confused.

I simply meant that, when we're ready, we shouldn't be afraid to spend more time accomplishing goals and integrating ourselves into society. This is what separates the intelligent who have visions of a better society and world from the marginally smarter with no goal other than feeding their self-image.